Why Is Duolingo Not Working? Troubleshooting Guide 2025

When your language learning journey suddenly hits a roadblock because Duolingo isn’t cooperating, it can be more than just frustrating—it can break your learning momentum and put your precious streak at risk. As someone who’s maintained a 500+ day Spanish streak through server outages, app crashes, and mysterious login issues, I’ve encountered (and solved) nearly every Duolingo problem imaginable.

This comprehensive troubleshooting guide addresses all common Duolingo issues—from simple fixes you can implement in seconds to more complex solutions for persistent problems. Whether your app is crashing, lessons won’t load, or your hard-earned progress seems to have vanished, you’ll find practical solutions to get back to your language learning routine quickly.

Let’s jump straight into solving why Duolingo isn’t working for you and how to fix it fast.

Common Duolingo App Issues and Quick Fixes

Duolingo App Won’t Open or Crashes Immediately

Few things are more frustrating than tapping the familiar green owl icon only to have the app close immediately or freeze on the loading screen.

The fastest solution is to force quit the app completely. On iOS, swipe up from the bottom (or double-press home button on older models) and swipe the Duolingo app away. On Android, access your recent apps view and swipe Duolingo away.

If force quitting doesn’t work, clearing the app’s cache often solves the problem:

For Android users:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Duolingo
2. Tap “Storage” > “Clear Cache”
3. Restart your device before reopening Duolingo

For iOS users:

1. The process is slightly different since iOS doesn’t allow direct cache clearing
2. Offload the app by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Duolingo > Offload App
3. Reinstall Duolingo from the App Store

Learning Insight: During app troubleshooting, use this downtime productively by reviewing vocabulary with flashcards or practicing pronunciation independently. This maintains your learning momentum while solving technical issues.

For older devices with limited memory, Duolingo’s resource requirements might be causing crashes. Try closing all background apps before opening Duolingo, and consider removing unused apps to free up storage space.

Duolingo Won’t Load Lessons or Exercises

When Duolingo opens but lessons won’t load or exercises freeze midway, connectivity issues are typically the culprit.

First, verify your internet connection is working properly. While Duolingo has an offline mode, it requires periodic connection to sync progress and download new content. Try these steps:

1. Switch between WiFi and mobile data to see if the problem is network-specific
2. Enable Airplane mode for 10 seconds, then disable it to reset your connection
3. Check if other apps can access the internet without issues

To check Duolingo’s server status:

• Visit Duolingo’s official Twitter account for outage announcements
• Check Downdetector’s Duolingo page for user-reported problems
• Look for the green operational indicator in your account settings

If the servers are operational but lessons still won’t load, verify that you’ve downloaded the necessary content for your language course, especially if you plan to use offline mode.

Audio Not Working in Duolingo

Audio exercises are crucial for pronunciation practice, so when sound stops working, it significantly impacts your learning experience.

Start with these basic checks:

• Ensure your device isn’t muted or in silent mode
• Check that media volume (not just ringer volume) is turned up
• Test audio with another app to confirm your speakers are working

If basic checks don’t resolve the issue, verify Duolingo’s audio permissions:

1. For iOS: Settings > Duolingo > Make sure “Microphone” permission is enabled
2. For Android: Settings > Apps > Duolingo > Permissions > Enable microphone access

Some language courses require additional audio packs that may need separate downloading. Check this by:

1. Going to your Duolingo settings
2. Selecting your current language course
3. Looking for download options or “Audio Pack” notifications

When audio exercises aren’t working, focus on reading and writing exercises until you resolve the issue. This adapts your learning approach while maintaining progress.

Duolingo Account and Progress Problems

Can’t Log In to Duolingo Account

Login problems can stem from several sources, from forgotten passwords to account verification issues.

If you’ve forgotten your password:

1. Tap “Forgot Password” on the login screen
2. Enter your registered email address
3. Check your inbox (and spam folder) for reset instructions
4. Create a strong, unique password (consider using a password manager)

Email verification issues frequently prevent login access. If you recently created an account but didn’t verify your email:

1. Check all folders in your email (including Promotions, Updates, and Spam)
2. Search for “Duolingo” in your email search function
3. Request a new verification email from the login screen

For those using two-factor authentication, ensure:

• Your authentication app (like Google Authenticator) is properly synced
• Your device’s date and time settings are correct (important for code generation)
• You’ve saved your backup codes in a secure location

Lost Progress or Missing Streaks

Nothing damages motivation like logging in to find your 100+ day streak has vanished or your course progress has reset.

For missing streaks:

1. Check if you have any Streak Freezes available (these automatically activate when you miss a day)
2. Verify your time zone settings in your Duolingo profile—incorrect settings can cause the app to mark a completed day as missed
3. Contact Duolingo support with your username and the specific date of the streak break for potential restoration

For lost progress:

1. Confirm you’re logged into the correct account (many users accidentally create multiple accounts)
2. Check if your progress is visible on another platform (web vs. mobile)
3. Verify that your account is properly syncing across devices

To ensure proper account syncing:

1. Open Duolingo settings
2. Check that you’re logged in with the same credentials on all devices
3. Enable “Sync Progress” in settings if available
4. Force a sync by completing a quick lesson

Duolingo Plus/Super Duolingo Subscription Issues

Super Duolingo (formerly Duolingo Plus) subscribers sometimes encounter problems accessing premium features.

To verify your subscription status:

1. Go to Settings > Super Duolingo
2. Check your subscription expiration date
3. Verify that the payment method on file is valid and updated

If your payment was processed but premium features aren’t accessible:

1. Sign out of your account completely
2. Restart your device
3. Sign back in to refresh your subscription status

For unresolved subscription issues, you’ll need to contact support with:

• Your account email
• Transaction receipt (from Apple App Store or Google Play)
• Screenshot showing the subscription issue

Duolingo Server and Connectivity Issues

Is Duolingo Down? How to Check Server Status

Sometimes the problem isn’t on your end—Duolingo’s servers may be experiencing issues.

Duolingo doesn’t maintain a dedicated status page, but you can check server status through:

1. Downdetector, which aggregates user reports
2. Duolingo’s Twitter account for outage announcements
3. The Duolingo subreddit, where users quickly report widespread issues

Recent outage history shows Duolingo typically experiences brief disruptions during:

• Major app updates (usually lasting 1-3 hours)
• Periodic maintenance windows (often scheduled during low-usage hours)
• Unexpected traffic surges (like during global events that prompt increased language learning interest)

Learning Insight: During Duolingo outages, practice writing sentences in your target language in a notebook or use flashcards to review vocabulary. This maintains learning continuity despite technical disruptions.

Internet Connection Requirements for Duolingo

While Duolingo is relatively light on data usage, certain connection issues can prevent proper functioning.

Minimum requirements for smooth operation:

• At least 1 Mbps download speed
• Stable connection (intermittent connectivity causes sync problems)
• Less than 200ms ping to Duolingo servers

Setting up offline mode properly:

1. Complete at least one lesson while connected to download course content
2. Enable “Offline Lessons” in settings if the option is available
3. Understand that offline mode has limitations—some features like Stories may be unavailable
4. Reconnect to the internet periodically to sync progress

VPN users frequently encounter issues with Duolingo. If you use a VPN:

1. Try temporarily disabling it while using Duolingo
2. If VPN is necessary, choose a server location closer to your actual location
3. Some VPN services are blocked by Duolingo’s security measures—consider switching providers if problems persist

Device-Specific Duolingo Troubleshooting

iOS Troubleshooting (iPhone/iPad)

iOS users face some unique challenges with Duolingo performance.

For optimal performance on iOS:

1. Ensure you’re running iOS 13.0 or later (ideally the latest version your device supports)
2. Manage storage by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Duolingo to view space usage
3. Enable “Background App Refresh” for Duolingo to prevent sync issues

If your iOS device struggles with Duolingo:

• Delete and reinstall the app (after ensuring your progress is synced to your account)
• Check for iOS updates that may resolve compatibility issues
• Disable low power mode, which can restrict app functionality

Android Troubleshooting

Android’s diverse ecosystem presents different troubleshooting needs.

Android version compatibility:

• Duolingo officially supports Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and higher
• Older versions may work but with limited features and stability
• Some budget devices may struggle with newer Duolingo features

Required app permissions:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Duolingo > Permissions
2. Ensure these permissions are granted:
   • Microphone (for speaking exercises)
   • Storage (for saving course content)
   • Network access (for syncing progress)

Battery optimization often interferes with Duolingo’s background processes:

1. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization
2. Find Duolingo and select “Don’t optimize”
3. This prevents your device from restricting Duolingo’s functionality to save battery

Desktop/Web Version Issues

The web version of Duolingo offers a different experience with its own set of potential issues.

Browser compatibility:

Browser	Performance	Known Issues
Chrome	Excellent	Occasional audio glitches
Firefox	Very Good	May require Flash for older courses
Safari	Good	Limited keyboard shortcut support
Edge	Good	Animation performance issues
Opera	Fair	Occasional login problems

For optimal web performance:

1. Clear your browser cache and cookies regularly
2. Disable browser extensions that might interfere with Duolingo’s functionality
3. Use a private/incognito window to test if persistent issues are extension-related

Common web version fixes:

• Disable hardware acceleration in browser settings if you experience visual glitches
• Ensure JavaScript is enabled
• Check that your browser accepts cookies from Duolingo

Advanced Duolingo Problem Solving

Reinstalling Duolingo the Right Way

When simpler fixes fail, a proper reinstallation can resolve persistent issues.

Before reinstalling:

1. Ensure your progress is synced by checking your profile on the web version
2. Take screenshots of your current progress, level, and streak
3. Note any purchased items or Super Duolingo subscription details

Complete removal steps:

1. For iOS: Press and hold the Duolingo icon > “Remove App” > “Delete App”
2. For Android: Settings > Apps > Duolingo > Uninstall
3. Restart your device completely
4. Download a fresh copy from your app store

After reinstallation:

1. Log in with your existing credentials
2. Check that your progress has restored correctly
3. Complete a simple lesson to trigger a full sync
4. Verify that purchased items and subscriptions are accessible

Duolingo Performance Optimization Tips

Optimize your device for the best Duolingo experience with these maintenance tips:

1. Regularly restart your device to clear memory and refresh system resources
2. Uninstall unused apps to free up storage space
3. Update your operating system to the latest supported version
4. Close resource-intensive background apps before using Duolingo

Helpful settings adjustments:

• Lower animation quality in Duolingo settings if available
• Disable sound effects while keeping speech audio if performance lags
• Reduce notification frequency to minimize background processes

For older devices:

• Use the web version instead of the app for better performance
• Consider using Duolingo in shorter, more frequent sessions to avoid memory issues
• Disable auto-play for videos and animations in your device settings

When to Contact Duolingo Support

Official Support Channels

When self-troubleshooting fails, Duolingo’s support team can help resolve complex issues.

To access in-app support:

1. Open Duolingo and go to Settings
2. Scroll down to “Help” or “Support”
3. Select the issue category that best matches your problem
4. Follow the guided troubleshooting or tap “Contact Us”

Email support is available at support@duolingo.com with typical response times of 1-3 business days.

Quick Tip: Support responses are faster for Super Duolingo subscribers, who receive priority assistance—typically within 24 hours.

What Information to Provide to Support

Providing comprehensive information helps support resolve your issue faster:

Device specifications to include:

• Device model (e.g., iPhone 13, Samsung Galaxy S21)
• Operating system and version (e.g., iOS 15.2, Android 12)
• Duolingo app version (found in Settings > About)

Steps to reproduce the problem:

1. Be specific about exactly what you were doing when the issue occurred
2. Include any error messages that appeared (exact wording is helpful)
3. Mention if the problem is consistent or intermittent

For screenshot guidance:

• Capture the entire screen showing the problem
• Include account information visible on screen (username, level)
• Send multiple screenshots if the issue occurs across different screens

Community Support Resources

The Duolingo community often provides faster solutions than official channels.

Official Duolingo forums:

• forum.duolingo.com organizes discussions by language and topic
• Search existing threads before posting—many common issues have been solved
• Moderators frequently contribute official solutions

Reddit communities:

• r/duolingo has 375,000+ members sharing tips and solutions
• Use the search function with error-specific terms
• Check the subreddit’s FAQ and pinned posts for common issues

Social media channels:

• Twitter for announcements and quick responses
• Facebook groups organized by language interest
• Instagram for feature updates and community engagement

Alternatives When Duolingo Is Down

Temporary Language Learning Alternatives

When Duolingo isn’t accessible, these alternatives keep your language learning on track:

Offline resources to use during outages:

• Downloaded Duolingo lessons (if previously cached)
• Language learning podcasts (many are free and available for offline listening)
• PDF grammar guides and vocabulary lists you can save to your device

Similar apps with free tiers:

• Memrise offers vocabulary-focused learning
• Busuu provides structured courses with grammar explanations
• Clozemaster focuses on learning words in context

Web-based alternatives when the app is down:

• BBC Languages provides free courses in multiple languages
• Language-specific sites like SpanishDict, TV5Monde (French), or Deutsche Welle (German)
• YouTube channels dedicated to language instruction

How to Continue Your Streak When Duolingo Is Unavailable

Protecting your hard-earned streak during outages requires some strategy.

Streak freeze usage tips:

• Purchase multiple streak freezes in advance (they stack up to 2 days)
• Activate a freeze as soon as you realize Duolingo is down
• Remember that freezes automatically activate at midnight in your time zone

Time zone considerations:

• Duolingo defines “days” based on your time zone setting, not your physical location
• If you’re traveling, you may need to adjust your time zone in settings
• Some users temporarily change their time zone to gain extra hours when dealing with outages

If your streak breaks due to technical issues:

1. Take a screenshot showing the error or outage evidence
2. Contact support within 2 days of the streak break
3. Politely explain that the break was due to technical issues beyond your control
4. Provide your username and the date of the streak break

FAQ Section

Why does Duolingo keep crashing on my phone?

Duolingo crashes are typically caused by insufficient device memory, outdated app versions, or corrupted data. Start by force-closing all background apps to free up memory. If that doesn’t work, clear the app’s cache, ensure you’re running the latest version, and as a last resort, reinstall the app. On older devices, try reducing animation settings or using the lighter web version instead.

How can I restore my lost Duolingo streak?

If your streak disappeared due to technical issues or circumstances beyond your control, contact Duolingo support at support@duolingo.com with your username, the date your streak broke, and an explanation of what happened. For best results, reach out within 48 hours of the streak break. Remember that Streak Freezes automatically activate if you have them available, potentially saving your streak without you realizing it.

Is Duolingo down for everyone or just me?

To determine if Duolingo is experiencing a widespread outage, check Downdetector.com, Duolingo’s official Twitter account, or the r/duolingo subreddit. If others aren’t reporting issues, the problem is likely specific to your device or account. Try accessing Duolingo from a different device or browser to narrow down the source of the problem.

Why aren’t my Duolingo lessons loading?

Lessons may fail to load due to internet connectivity issues, server problems, or app data corruption. First, verify your internet connection is stable. Then, try force-closing and reopening the app. If problems persist, clear the app’s cache, ensure you’re using the latest version, or try accessing your courses through the web version at duolingo.com.

How do I fix Duolingo audio problems?

For audio issues, first check your device’s volume settings and ensure “Silent” or “Do Not Disturb” modes are off. Verify that Duolingo has microphone permissions enabled in your device settings. If speaking exercises aren’t being recognized, try moving to a quieter environment or speaking more slowly and clearly. For persistent issues, reinstall the app or try using headphones.

Why is my Duolingo progress not saving?

Progress sync issues usually stem from connectivity problems or account conflicts. Ensure you’re connected to the internet when completing lessons, as offline progress must eventually sync to be permanently saved. Verify you’re logged into the same account across all devices, and complete a simple lesson while connected to force a sync. If problems persist, check if your progress appears on the web version.

How do I transfer my Duolingo account to a new phone?

Transferring your Duolingo account is simple: just install the app on your new device and sign in with the same username and password. All your progress, streaks, and purchased items are stored in your account, not on your device. If you used Google, Facebook, or Apple to sign up, use the same login method on your new device. After signing in, complete a quick lesson to ensure everything syncs properly.

Why am I being logged out of Duolingo repeatedly?

Frequent logouts can be caused by cookie issues, account security measures, or app conflicts. On mobile, ensure your device’s date and time are set correctly and update to the latest app version. For the web version, clear your browser cookies or try a different browser. If you’ve recently changed your password or logged in from a new location, Duolingo might log you out as a security measure.

Continuing Your Language Learning Journey

Technical hurdles are frustrating but temporary—don’t let them derail your language learning progress. By systematically troubleshooting issues using this guide, you can quickly return to building your skills and extending your streak.

Remember that language learning is a marathon, not a sprint. A day or two of technical difficulties won’t significantly impact your overall progress, especially if you use the troubleshooting time to practice through alternative methods.

The most successful language learners are those who persist through challenges—whether linguistic or technical. Keep your motivation strong, your streak alive, and your language skills growing every day with Duolingo.